Print copies of Directions in Mental Health and Primary Care Integration in Ohio are available by e-mailing Jason Sanford.

Directions in Mental Health and Primary Care Integration in Ohio

Download Directions in Mental Health and Primary Care Integration in Ohio
(Sept. 2007, pdf format, 1.7 MB)

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The purpose of this white paper is to examine the integration of Ohio’s mental health programs and services with primary care services for clients with persistent and severe mental illness served by the state’s publicly-sponsored health programs. The paper identifies current barriers and opportunities at the state, regional and county levels regarding program integration. Research involved a two-pronged approach:

1. Interviews were held with key stakeholders both in Ohio and around the country in order to learn about the status of mental health and primary care integrated service programs; and,
2. A literature review was conducted in order to catalogue best practices and evidence-based research regarding integrating mental health and primary care.

Originally, this project proposed the dissemination of an e-survey in order to gather information on integration initiatives in Ohio. However, as the number of in-person interviews with key informants increased and more information was collected, it became clear that the timing of the survey was not appropriate. It was decided that the staging of the e-survey would be better set for a future date, given the multiple variables, including:

• the early stage of most of the integrated programs in the state;
• the continued regional roll-out of Medicaid managed care expansion;
• the change in leadership in the Ohio Governor’s office;
• the status of the workgroups involved with Ohio’s mental health transformation grant through SAMHSA5;
• an October e-survey disseminated by the Ohio Council of Behavioral Healthcare Providers to gather information on the integration activities of its members; and
• the signing into law of the Mental Health Parity Bill (S.B. 116) by former Governor Taft on December 29, 2006.